Seasonal allergies: how to recognize symptoms and control the condition during the flowering period

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, are an immune system reaction to pollen from plants that bloom at certain times of the year. It most often occurs in the spring, summer, or early fall. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds enters the respiratory tract or eyes, causing symptoms similar to a cold, but without the virus.

According to Mayo Clinic, pollen allergy affects up to 30% adults and up to 40% children, and its symptoms can significantly reduce quality of life.

The main symptoms of seasonal allergies

• Constant sneezing

• Nasal congestion or discharge

• Itching in the nose, throat, eyes

• Tearing, redness of the eyes

• Feeling of pressure in the forehead, headache

• Fatigue, decreased concentration

• Worsening of asthma symptoms (in people with a co-diagnosis)

In some cases, symptoms may progress to allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or complicate the course of bronchial asthma.

What causes seasonal allergies?

• Spring (March–May): tree pollen (birch, alder, maple)

• Summer (June–August): cereal grasses (timothy, rye)

• Autumn (August–October): weeds (ragweed, wormwood)

Pollen is carried by the wind over long distances, so even in urban environments, symptoms can be severe.

What to do if symptoms appear

1. See an allergist
The specialist may prescribe skin tests or tests for specific immunoglobulins (IgE) to determine the causative allergen.

2. Keep a symptom diary
Make a note of when exactly your symptoms appear, what the weather is like, and where you were — this will help establish a connection with the allergen.

3. Avoid contact with pollen

• Walk less in the morning - pollen concentration is highest

• It is better to keep the windows at home closed.

• After being outside - change clothes, wash your face, and blow your nose

4. Take medication

• Antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine)

• Sodium cromoglycate - topical sprays

• Corticosteroids - as prescribed by a doctor

• Immunotherapy (ASIT) — course therapy to reduce sensitivity to an allergen

Table: What will help with seasonal allergies

How to prevent exacerbation

• Monitor the air allergenicity forecast (e.g. via apps)

• Avoid walking in dry, windy weather.

• Install pollen filters in your car and home

• Use a humidifier

• Carry out wet cleaning regularly

Seasonal allergies are common but manageable. Timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and simple preventive measures can help minimize symptoms and restore quality of life, even during the peak season.